VEHICLE TAILGATE BBQ GRILL
The present disclosure is directed to a novel apparatus, method, and system for a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system has a grease tray integrated into the tailgate configured to capture grease and prevent grease from leaking into the tailgate. A dust cover fits over the grill system preventing debris from entering the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system while the vehicle is in motion. A cover at a top of the tailgate has a closed position configured to hide the control knobs.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/079,716 filed on Sep. 17, 2020, titled VEHICLE TAILGATE BBQ GRILL, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSUREThe present disclosure relates to grilling. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill.
BACKGROUNDTrucks or other vehicles often have a drop-down tailgate that provides access to a cargo area, such as a bed for storage. Most tailgates have a closed position where the tailgate is latched to the sides of the vehicle, locking it in place. When the latch is released, the tailgate is lowered to a generally horizontal position to allow access to the bed and the tailgate. However, tailgates provide only limited functionality. The tailgate may provide a stepping point for ingress and egress into and out of the bed or other cargo area or support for objects extending beyond the cargo area. While camping, picnicking, hunting, or attending tailgating events, a grill is often hauled in the cargo area for use at other locations and venues. The grill may spill grease onto the bed of the vehicle, cargo area, or over other objects being transported with the grill. If used in the vehicle, heat from the grill may cause damage to the cargo area or objects being transported close to the grill.
Therefore, what is needed is a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill that is operably integrated into the tailgate of a vehicle that incorporates a heat shield lining that redirects heat away from the vehicle, a grease collection system to keep grease from collecting in the vehicle tailgate, and one or more detachable parts that facilitate easier cleaning, use, assembly, disassembly, changing out the fuel source, and overall operation of the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill.
SUMMARYTherefore, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the present disclosure to improve over the state of the art.
It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present disclosure to provide a safer way of transporting a grill.
It is a still further object, feature, or advantage of the present disclosure to a cleaner way of transporting a grill.
Another object, feature, or advantage is to provide an efficient way to drain the grease out of the grease pan integrated into the tailgate.
Yet another object, feature, or advantage is to provide access to the grilling knobs while the tailgate is in an open position and a closed position.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system is disclosed. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system includes, in at least one aspect, a tailgate configured to operably house the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system, a grease tray integrated into the tailgate configured to funnel grease out of the tailgate, a grate that is supported by the grease tray where the grate is configured to drop grease and debris into the grease tray, a plurality of heat plates, a plurality of flame elements, at least one storage compartment where the storage compartment is configured to hold a fuel container wherein the fuel container is operably connected to the plurality of flame elements, at least one control knob operably connected to the fuel container and the plurality of flame elements, a cover at a top of the tailgate having a closed position configured to hide the control knobs wherein the cover has an open position configured to reveal the control knobs, a grill cover, a bottom of the grease tray is angled to allow grease to drain through a hole in the bottom of the grease tray, and wherein a grease container is coupled to the grease tray to collect grease when the tailgate is in an open horizontal position.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system is disclosed. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system includes, in at least one aspect, a tailgate with a front end and a back end and operably configured to house the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system having a grease tray integrated into the tailgate configured to funnel grease out of the tailgate, a grate that is supported by the grease tray and configured to drop grease and debris into the grease tray, a first storage compartment configured to hold a fuel container, at least one control knob operably connected to the fuel container, a cover at a top of the tailgate having a closed position configured to hide the control knobs and an open position configured to reveal the control knobs, a first portion of the cover is rotatably connected to the second portion, a grill cover, a bottom of the grease tray is angled to allow grease to drain through a hole in the bottom of the grease tray, a tailgate hole on the back end of the tailgate configured to receive the grease container, and a decal on the back end of the tailgate.
In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system is disclosed. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system includes a tailgate operably housing the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system. The tailgate has a proximal end rotatably connect to a vehicle bed opposing a distal end, a front end opposing a back end, a first side opposing a second side, and an open position wherein the front end of the tailgate is flush with the vehicle bed. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill includes, in at least one aspect, a grease tray integrated into the tailgate configured to funnel grease out of a tailgate hole on the back end of the tailgate, a grate operably supported by the grease tray and operably configured to drop grease and debris into the grease tray, at least one storage compartment on the first side of the tailgate configured to hold a fuel container that is operably connected to the plurality a flame elements configured to heat the grate and objects/food atop the grate, a plurality of control knobs operably connected to the fuel container and the plurality of flame elements, a cover at the distal end of the tailgate having a closed position configured to hide the plurality of control knobs and an open position configured to reveal the plurality control knobs, a grill cover, a bottom of the grease tray is operably angled to allow grease to drain through a drainage hole in the bottom of the grease tray, and a grease container is removably coupled to the grease tray to collect grease when the tailgate is in the open position.
In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system is disclosed. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system includes a tailgate configured to hold the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system, wherein the tailgate is configured to attach to a vehicle bed and comprises a front end opposing a back end and a first end opposing a second end. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system may also include a grease tray integrated into the tailgate configured to collect grease and a grate, wherein the grate is supported by the grease tray; the grate is configured to drop grease and debris into the grease tray. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system includes a plurality of heat spreaders, at least one flame element. and at least one storage compartment, the storage compartment configured to hold a fuel container. The fuel container is operably connected to the plurality of flame elements. The vehicle tailgate BBQ system has at least one control knob operably connected to the fuel container and the at least one flame element and a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover disposed on the front end of the tailgate. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover has an open position configured to reveal the grate, and the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover has a first part rotatably connected to the tailgate.
In another aspect of the present disclosure another vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system is disclosed. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system includes a tailgate configured to hold the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system. The tailgate has a front end opposing a back end and a top portion opposing a bottom portion. The bottom portion is configured to be attached to a vehicle. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system further includes a cooking unit disposed within the front end of the tailgate configured to heat a grate. The cooking unit includes a grease tray operably integrated into the tailgate, a grate operably supported by the grease tray. The grate is configured to drop grease and debris into the grease tray. The cooking unit also includes a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover having a closed position configured to hide the grate and an open position configured to reveal the grate. A first part of the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover is rotatably connected to the front end of the tailgate. The cooking unit may further include a heat shield configured to protect the back end of the tailgate from cooking unit. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system may also include a first storage compartment on a first side of the grate and at least one control knob operably connected a fuel source and at least one fuel element. The fuel source powers the at least one flame element. The at least one control knob is covered when the tailgate is in a closed position. Lastly, the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system may also include a dust cover configured to prevent debris from entering the cooking unit when the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover is in the closed positioned.
In yet another aspect of the disclosure, another vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system is disclosed. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system includes a tailgate configured to hold the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system. the tailgate has a proximal end rotatably connect to a vehicle bed opposing a distal end, a front end opposing a back end, a first side opposing a second side, and an open position wherein the front end of the tailgate is flush with the vehicle bed. A vehicle tailgate BBQ grill is integrated into the front end of the tailgate. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill includes a grease tray integrated into the tailgate configured to capture grease and debris and a grate operably supported by the grease tray and operably configured to drop grease and debris into the grease tray. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill includes a first storage compartment on a first side of the grate, the storage compartment configured to hold a fuel container. The fuel container is operably connected to a plurality of flame elements configured to heat the grate. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill also includes a second storage compartment on the second side of the grate. The storage compartment is countersunk from a surface of the front end of the tailgate. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system further includes a plurality of control knobs operably connected to the fuel container and the plurality of flame elements and a grill cover at the proximal end of the tailgate having a closed position configured to hide the grate. The grill cover has an open position configured to reveal the grate. Lastly the vehicle tailgate grill includes a lift assist.
One or more of these and/or other objects, features, or advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and claims that follow. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage. Different embodiments may have different objects, features, or advantages. Therefore, the present disclosure is not to be limited to or by any objects, features, or advantages stated herein.
Illustrated aspects of the disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein.
The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus, method, and system for a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system having, in at least one aspect, a grill operably integrated into a vehicle tailgate. The present disclosure finds applicability to the safe and cleaner transportation of a grill to a desired location such as to a campsite, tailgating event, or other destinations, venues, places, and events. A user of the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill can lower the tailgate and begin cooking on the grill without having to unload and set up the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill. The grease drainage configuration, plumbing, and outlet allow for draining of the grease or any other cooking remnants allowing for a fast and effective cleaning of the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system is disclosed. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system includes, in at least one aspect, a tailgate configured to operably house the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system, a grease tray integrated into the tailgate configured to funnel grease out of the tailgate, a grate that is supported by the grease tray where the grate is configured to drop grease and debris into the grease tray, a plurality of heat plates, a plurality of flame elements, at least one storage compartment where the storage compartment is configured to hold a fuel container wherein the fuel container is operably connected to the plurality of flame elements, at least one control knob operably connected to the fuel container and the plurality of flame elements, a cover at a top of the tailgate having a closed position configured to hide the control knobs wherein the cover has an open position configured to reveal the control knobs, a grill cover, a bottom of the grease tray is angled to allow grease to drain through a hole in the bottom of the grease tray, and wherein a grease container is coupled to the grease tray to collect grease when the tailgate is in an open horizontal position.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system is disclosed. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system includes, in at least one aspect, a tailgate with a front end and a back end and operably configured to house the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system having a grease tray integrated into the tailgate configured to funnel grease out of the tailgate, a grate that is supported by the grease tray and configured to drop grease and debris into the grease tray, a first storage compartment configured to hold a fuel container, at least one control knob operably connected to the fuel container, a cover at a top of the tailgate having a closed position configured to hide the control knobs and an open position configured to reveal the control knobs, a first portion of the cover is rotatably connected to the second portion, a grill cover, a bottom of the grease tray is angled to allow grease to drain through a hole in the bottom of the grease tray, a tailgate hole on the back end of the tailgate configured to receive the grease container, and a decal on the back end of the tailgate.
In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system is disclosed. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system includes a tailgate operably housing the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system. The tailgate has a proximal end rotatably connect to a vehicle bed opposing a distal end, a front end opposing a back end, a first side opposing a second side, and an open position wherein the front end of the tailgate is flush with the vehicle bed. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill includes, in at least one aspect, a grease tray integrated into the tailgate configured to funnel grease out of a tailgate hole on the back end of the tailgate, a grate operably supported by the grease tray and operably configured to drop grease and debris into the grease tray, at least one storage compartment on the first side of the tailgate configured to hold a fuel container that is operably connected to the plurality a flame elements configured to heat the grate and objects/food atop the grate, a plurality of control knobs operably connected to the fuel container and the plurality of flame elements, a cover at the distal end of the tailgate having a closed position configured to hide the plurality of control knobs and an open position configured to reveal the plurality control knobs, a grill cover, a bottom of the grease tray is operably angled to allow grease to drain through a drainage hole in the bottom of the grease tray, and a grease container is removably coupled to the grease tray to collect grease when the tailgate is in the open position.
In the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system 100, a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill 102 is incorporated into a tailgate 104 of a vehicle, as shown in
The tailgate 104 may have a lift assist 286 or power lift assist 286 to aid in opening and closing the tailgate 104 or regulating the speed at which the tailgate 104 opens as shown in
In some aspects of the lift assist, the first locking mechanism 128 and the second locking mechanism 130 are located on the interior of the vehicle bed 114 for the tailgate 104 to attach to. When the tailgate moves to a tailgate closed position 126, mounted latches, 288 and 290 on the tailgate 104 line up with posts on the first sidewall 116 and the second sidewall 120 to intersect and latch down due to a spring-loaded mechanism in the latches 288, 290, thereby creating the first locking mechanism 128 and the second locking mechanism 130 or creating additional locking mechanisms. To release the latch 288 or 290 or plurality of latches, the latches 288, 290 can be physically pulled away from the tailgate 104. A cable runs from each latch, a first latch 288 operably connected to the first side wall 116 and the second latch 290 operably connected the second sidewall 120 to the center of the back portion of the tailgate 140 and attaches to a spring-loaded handle 284. The handle 284 may be visible from the outside of the tailgate 104. The handle 284 may also function as the tailgate handle 142. When the handle 284 is pulled the cable or plurality of cables tighten and pulls each latch 288, 290 to release the tailgate 104 from the first sidewall 116 and the second sidewall 120, thereby allowing the tailgate to be opened. The latches 288, 290, may have to be pulled at an angle that is nearly 180 degrees in the opposite direction. The cables may be designed to follow a specific round to prevent wear on the cable while still being able to pull the latches 288, 290 at a near 180-degree angle.
A vehicle tailgate BBQ grill 102 may be integrated into the front portion of the tailgate 104, as shown in
The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill 102 includes, for example, a grill cover 148 which may be placed in an open position 152 to reveal a cooking unit 158 as shown in
When the cooking unit 158 is not in use, the grill cover 148 can be moved to the closed position 150. The grill cover 148 can be rolled forward to a middle portion of the cooking unit 166, as shown by
In some aspects, the grill cover 148 may move from the open position 152 to the closed position 150 by a different method. The proximal end of the first part 172 is connected to a proximal end of the cooking unit 294 opposing a distal end of the cooking unit 296. The distal end of the first part 170 is connected to the proximal end of the second part 178. The connection allows the second part of the grill cover 176 to move relative to the first part of the grill cover 182. The distal end of the second part of the grill cover 180 is connected to the proximal end of the third part of the grill cover 184 by a permanent or removable connection. The connection allows the third part of the grill cover 182 to move relative to the second part of the grill cover 176. A side of the fourth part of the grill cover 186 is connected to a first side of the third part of the grill cover 188. The connection allows the fourth part of the grill cover 186 to move relative to the third part of the grill cover 182. A side of the fifth part of the grill cover 190 is connected to the opposing second side of the third part of the grill cover 192. The connection allows the fifth part of the grill cover 190 to move relative to the third part of the grill cover 182. The connections may be permanent connections or removable connections that may including hinges, welding, slots, hooks, or any other connections.
To move the grill cover 148 from the open position 152 to the closed position 150. The fourth part of the grill cover 186 moves inwards towards the third part of the grill cover 182 and the fifth part of the grill 190 moves inward towards the third part of the grill cover 182. The first part of the grill cover 168 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise towards the second part of the grill cover 176 until it adjacent to a top portion of the second part of the grill cover or a bottom portion of the second part of the grill cover. Then the grill cover 148 is laid flush with the tailgate 104.
The grill cover 148 may be secured down with spring latches hidden inside the storage compartments. The grill cover may sit flush when closed and have a built-in dust cover 292, as shown in
The top wall of the tailgate 194 may be rotatably connected to the back end of the tailgate 104 allowing the top wall of the tailgate 194 to swing towards the back end of the tailgate 104 revealing a storage compartment 196 for storing the grill handle 164 once the grill handle 164 is removed from the grill cover 148. In some aspects, the top wall of the tailgate 194 may have front portion 212 and a back portion 214, the front portion 212 rotatably connected to the back portion 214, the front portion 212 configured to rotate around the hinge towards the back portion 214 revealing the storage compartment 196 for storing the grill handle 164, as shown in
The top wall of the tailgate 194 may have at least one storing mechanism 198 for holding the handle, such as clips, yokes, or any other mechanism capable of holding the grill handle 164. The storing mechanism 198 may be mechanically or magnetically fastened to the top wall of the tailgate 194. The storing mechanism 198 may include a round base shaped to generally conform to the shape of the handle. The storing mechanism 198 may be flexible and it may include an opening wide enough to accommodate the width of the grill handle 164 when the storing mechanism 198 flexes but narrow enough to generally retain the grill handle 164 to removably and securely retain the grill handle 164. The storing mechanism 198 may also absorb vibration to prevent damage to the assembly during use and transportation. The storing mechanism 198 may be formed using steel or another suitable material capable of withstanding temperatures associated with a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill 102.
The top wall of the tailgate 194 may also cover the control knobs 200 for safety, thereby preventing the control knobs 200 from be turned or bumped during transport or while a user is not standing next to the cooking unit 158 while the cooking unit 158 is in use, as best shown in
The control knobs 200 are accessible when the tailgate 104 is in the open position 124 and the closed position 126. The control knobs 200 face upward vertically when the tailgate 104 is in the closed position 126 and outward horizontally when the tailgate 104 is in the open position 124. An igniter 208 may also be positioned in the cooking unit 158 to ignite the flame elements 210 of the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill 102, as shown in
The grate grill may have additional storage compartments 218 or storage cabinets 218, as shown in
One of the storage compartments 218 or storage drawers may be configured to store a fuel source 228, such as a propane tank or other suitable cooking-fuel container, charcoal, or pellets for fueling flame of the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill 102, as shown in
In some aspects, the fuel source 228 may be an electric fuel source powered by the vehicle. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill 102 may have one or more electrical cords for powering the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill 102 and heating the cooking unit 158. The electrical cords may be attached to one or more flame elements 210 through the storage compartments 218. The electrical cords may be connected to an electrical outlet or power source located in the vehicle bed 114. The cooking unit may have a button, switch or another on/off mechanism for powering the cooking unit 158 through the electric fuel source.
A grate 216 is located beneath the grill cover 148 for cooking food while the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill 102 is in use. A plurality of grates 216 may be used, the plurality of grates 216 configured to fit in the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill 102 together. In one aspect of the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system 100, the system is configured with two grates 216A and 216B, one grate 216A is positioned closer to the first end of the tailgate 232 and a second grate 216B closer to an opposing second end of the tailgate 234. The two grates 216A and 216B may be positioned, so that the first grate 216A is closer to the proximal end of the tailgate 132 and the second grate 216B is closer to the distal end of the tailgate 134. The grate 216 is positioned and secured to the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill 102 to allow retention in both the open position 124, as well as the closed position 126 for traveling. A securement (e.g., mechanical) 236 may be used to ensure the grate will not dislodge when the vehicle tailgate 104 is in the closed position 126 during non-use or when traveling. There may be a plurality of securements 236 along the side of the opening to ensure proper securement of the grate 216. Other securements 236 may be operably incorporated in the grate, can include, for example, fasteners, clasps, and appropriate cut-outs for fitting the grate 216 to the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill 102. Beneath the grate 216 may be one or more heat spreaders 238 or heat shields, or heat directors, as shown by way of example in
The one or more flame elements 210 provide flames using fuel from the fuel source 228 via the valve assembly 230. The flames may be ignited using the igniter 208 and regulated using the control elements. The flames heat the one or more heat spreader(s) 238, which in turn radiate heat to the grill grate 216 and any food thereon. An igniter 208 may be positioned next to each flame element to ignite each flame element for use.
The heat spreaders 238 may have one or more main plates 240. The main plates 240 may be orientated at an angle relative to level grate 216. The angle may be suitable to fit inside the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill 102 while providing enough heat along the heat spreaders 238 and allow debris or grease to drip away from the heat spreaders 238 down into the grease tray 240. One or more heat spreaders 238 may have holes or perforations to allow flames or additional heat to pass through the heat spreaders 238. The heat spreaders 238 may be removeable. The removable and replaceable nature of the heat spreaders 238 provides for ease in cleaning the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill 102 and replacing the heat spreaders 238. The heat shield 146 may be below the heat spreaders 238.
The heat shield 146 may include, for example, a coating, jacket, blanket, or other layer of insulation. The heat shield 146 may be positioned around the sides and bottom or other outer surfaces of the grease tray 240. The heat shield 146 may reflect heat into the grill grate 216 or otherwise prevent or resist heat from spreading out of the cooking unit 158 or from spreading to the storage compartments 218. The heat shield 146 may be positioned on an underside or bottom of the grease tray 240 to prevent or resist damage to the tailgate 104, as shown in
The heat shield 146 may include fiberglass, a fiberglass interior surrounded by outer layers of metal foil, multi-walled ceramic materials, vacuum vessels, foam, wood, or other suitable materials with thermal resistance properties optimal for preventing or resisting heat transfer. The frame of the tailgate 104 may include a heat shield 146. The heat shield or heat blanket may include reflective material that reflects the heat back towards the grate to increase the cooking heat. The heat shield 146 may be angled. The angle may be suitable to fit inside the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill 102 while allowing debris or grease to drip away from the heat shield 146 down into the grease tray 240.
The grease tray 240, as shown in
In some aspects, the drainage hole 250 may not be located in the middle of the grease tray 248, the drainage hole 250 may be located closer to a first side of the grease tray 260 or an opposing second side of the grease tray 262. The drainage hole 250 may be located closer to the top of the grease tray 264 or the bottom of the grease tray 266. The location of the drainage hole 250 may be configured to line up with a decal 140 of the vehicle's manufacturer located on the tailgate 104, as shown in
The decal 140 may be located on the back of the tailgate 214, as shown in
The disclosure is not to be limited to the particular aspects described herein. In particular, the disclosure contemplates numerous variations in vehicle tailgate BBQ grills. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit any of the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated that other alternatives or exemplary aspects are considered included in the disclosure. The description is merely examples of aspects, processes, or methods of the disclosure. It is understood that any other modifications, substitutions, and/or additions can be made, which are within the intended spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Claims
1. A vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system, comprising:
- a tailgate configured to hold the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system, wherein the tailgate is configured to attach to a vehicle bed and comprises a front end opposing a back end and a first end opposing a second end;
- a grease tray integrated into the tailgate configured to collect grease;
- a grate, wherein the grate is supported by the grease tray; the grate is configured to drop grease and debris into the grease tray;
- a plurality of heat spreaders;
- at least one flame element;
- at least one storage compartment, the storage compartment configured to hold a fuel container, wherein the fuel container is operably connected to the plurality of flame elements;
- at least one control knob operably connected to the fuel container and the at least one flame element; and
- a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover disposed on the front end of the tailgate, wherein the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover has an open position configured to reveal the grate, and wherein the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover has a first part rotatably connected to the tailgate.
2. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover has a closed position wherein a back surface of the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover is flush with the tailgate.
3. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover comprises a plurality of parts and at least two of the parts are configured to fold inward.
4. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover further comprises a dust cover.
5. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 1, wherein the at least one storage compartment is countersunk from a top surface of the front end of the tailgate.
6. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 1, further comprising:
- a lift assist configured to aid in opening and closing the tailgate, wherein the power lift assist comprises a first latch on the first end of the tailgate and a second latch on the second end of the tailgate and a handle on the back end of the tailgate, wherein the handle is configured to release the latches when pulled away from the back end of the tailgate.
7. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 1, wherein the grease tray and grate are removable.
8. A vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system, comprising:
- a tailgate configured to hold the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system, wherein the tailgate has a front end opposing a back end and a top portion opposing a bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion is configured to be attached to a vehicle;
- a cooking unit disposed within the front end of the tailgate configured to heat a grate, the cooking unit comprising: a grease tray operably integrated into the tailgate; a grate operably supported by the grease tray, wherein the grate is configured to drop grease and debris into the grease tray; a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover having a closed position configured to hide the grate and an open position configured to reveal the grate, wherein a first part of the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover is rotatably connected to the front end of the tailgate; a heat shield configured to protect the back end of the tailgate from cooking unit;
- a first storage compartment on a first side of the grate;
- at least one control knob operably connected a fuel source and at least one fuel element, wherein the fuel source powers the at least one flame element, wherein the at least one control knob is covered when the tailgate is in a closed position;
- a dust cover configured to prevent debris from entering the cooking unit when the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover is in the closed positioned.
9. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 8, wherein the dust cover has a first portion configured to cover the cooking unit and a second portion configured to cover the at least one control knob.
10. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 8, wherein the cooking unit is removeable.
11. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 8, wherein the at least one storage compartment is a drawer and wherein the drawer is configured to open from the top portion of the tailgate.
12. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 8, wherein the heat shield is a heat blanket.
13. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 9, wherein the tailgate further comprises
- a lift assist comprising at least a first latch on a first end of the tailgate and second latch on the opposing second end of the tailgate wherein the first latch is operably connected to a first cable and the second the latch is operably connected to a second cable, wherein the first cable and the second cable are operably connected to a handle disposed on the back end of the tailgate and configured to release the tailgate from the vehicle bed when pulled.
14. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 8, wherein the cooking unit has a closed position wherein a back surface of the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill cover is flush with the tailgate and wherein the grill cover has an angled closed position.
15. A vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system, comprising:
- a tailgate configured to hold the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system, wherein the tailgate has a proximal end rotatably connect to a vehicle bed opposing a distal end, a front end opposing a back end, a first side opposing a second side, and an open position wherein the front end of the tailgate is flush with the vehicle bed;
- a vehicle tailgate BBQ grill integrated into the front end of the tailgate; the vehicle tailgate BBQ grill, comprising: a grease tray integrated into the tailgate configured to capture grease and debris; a grate operably supported by the grease tray and operably configured to drop grease and debris into the grease tray; a first storage compartment on a first side of the grate, the storage compartment configured to hold a fuel container, wherein the fuel container is operably connected to a plurality of flame elements configured to heat the grate; a second storage compartment on the second side of the grate, wherein the storage compartment is countersunk from a surface of the front end of the tailgate; a plurality of control knobs operably connected to the fuel container and the plurality of flame elements; a grill cover at the proximal end of the tailgate having a closed position configured to hide the grate, wherein the grill cover has an open position configured to reveal the grate; and a lift assist.
16. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 15, wherein the fuel source is electric.
17. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 15, wherein the grill cover comprises a plurality of parts of the grill, a proximal end of a first part of the plurality of parts of the grill is coupled to the grease tray, a proximal end of a second part of the plurality of parts of the grill cover is coupled to a distal end of the first part opposing the proximal end of the first part, a proximal end of a third part of the plurality of parts of the grill cover is coupled to a distal end of the second part opposing the proximal end of the second part, a fourth part of the plurality of parts of the grill cover is coupled to a first side of the third part and a fifth part of the plurality of parts of the grill cover is coupled to a second side of the third part opposing the first side of the third part.
18. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 17, wherein the proximal end of the third part rotates relative to the second part.
19. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 15, wherein the first storage compartment is a drawer.
20. The vehicle tailgate BBQ grill system of claim 15 wherein the grill cover further comprises a dust cover configured to prevent debris and dust from entering the grate when the grill cover is in the closed position.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 13, 2021
Publication Date: Mar 17, 2022
Applicant: GrillGate LLC (Sheridan, WY)
Inventor: Tyler O'Daniel (Sheridan, WY)
Application Number: 17/473,422